New patent for IntelliGel on the way in the EU
The European Patent Office EPO has issued a prior notice of granting a new patent in the portfolio that Redwood Pharma licenses from Broda International LLC. Such a patent will, if and when granted, provide protection in the EU for the so-called IntelliGel platform, which is used, among other things, in the development of Redwood Pharmas RP101 product for the treatment of dry eyes in postmenopausal women.
“It is very gratifying to be notified of a current patent approval in the EU for IntelliGel. This platform will be tested for the first time in an eye indication with the start of the Phase II clinical trial for RP101. Redwood Pharma has submitted applications for initiation of the review in all affected countries and is now awaiting approval. A national authority has returned with a request for clarifications as they have already been submitted. As soon as the company receives approval from the first authority, the plan is to start the inclusion of patients. A new EU patent will strengthen the already large commercial potential of RP101,” says CEO Martin Vidaeus.
About RP101 and IntelliGel
RP101 is the Company’s lead program for the development of a novel treatment of chronic dry eye disease in postmenopausal women. The active substance is an endogenous small molecule already proven safe and effective in two Phase II clinical trials conducted in the US. The active substance is being repurposed and has been formulated in IntelliGel to control its release, reduce dosing and increase compliance. Redwood Pharma will initiate a clinical Phase II trial of RP101 in Europe.
Dry eye disease is a large market with serious unmet needs – estimated to grow to USD 2.7 billion in 2022. RP101 will be the first therapy targeted towards a unique biological mechanism and the target patient population of postmenopausal women. With prior development data, this program will be faster to market and has lower capital needs and development risks than programs based on New Chemical Entities.
IntelliGel is Redwood Pharma’s exclusive technology for the topical delivery of drugs to the front of the eye using a novel hydrogel based on poloxamers and water. IntelliGel is applied as an eye drop and gels upon contact with the eye. This transparent, lubricating, reversible thermogel allows for better compliance with fewer doses of medicines since the gel keeps the active substance in the eye longer; it allows for a reduction in the amount of active substance administered, a lowering of the number of doses and possible side-effects related to active substance. IntelliGel is currently used in dermatological products commercially sold in the US and China. IntelliGel can be used for both prescription-based, as well as, OTC products.
For more information:
Martin Vidaeus, CEO Redwood Pharma AB (publ.)
Tel: +46 (0) 70 232 29 29
E-mail: martin.vidaeus@redwoodpharma.com
This information is information that Redwood Pharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, October 2, 2018.
About Redwood Pharma
Redwood Pharma develops ophthalmic products for unmet medical needs. The Company’s first project is the development of drug candidate RP101 with a known active substance against chronic dry eye in postmenopausal women who have moderate to severe symptoms. With the drug delivery platform IntelliGel® the release of active substances is controlled. Through the use of IntelliGel, Redwood Pharma can also improve dosing of other established drugs. Redwood Pharma’s strength lies in formulation and early clinical development. Revenues will be generated through licensing agreements with pharmaceutical companies that have capabilities to manufacture and sell commercial products worldwide.
Redwood Pharma AB (publ.) is listed on the Spotlight Stock Market, a Swedish Multilateral Trading Facility (Ticker: REDW.ST, ISIN: SE008294789).
For more information visit: www.redwoodpharma.com
2018-10-02